Improvisation

I use an introduction to the basic tools of improvisation with my students in several basic ways.

First, I use improvisation in conjunction with key orientation. For the violin, the first three, one octave scales are A major, D major and G major. So as the student learns each scale, the notes of that scale become available for him/her to make up some melody phrases. So the first step we tackle is to be able to improvise within a given key.

The second step is to be able to keep within the key, of course, and also within a chosen rhythmic meter, 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, etc. We can start with the familiar, the metronome.

Part of improvisation is to be able to transpose tunes to different keys and be able to "play around" with them. So, to this end we transpose "Twinkle" and other tunes from the Suzuki repertoire, into the various keys by way of the scales we learn. Dr. Suzuki, of course, did this very thing with the piece Perpetual Motion in the context of learning the positions. Hey, we can tack on one more idea.

Arpeggio sets; within the Revised Suzuki Violin School books are scales followed by arpeggio sets which I expand and use to teach chord based harmonies. I expand the concept as printed by adding in the V7 chord.

I find that the students enjoy the freedom these concepts bring them. Also, it is a good way to do "applied theory". But even more, I am in awe of the way their faces light up as they are invited to share even a couple of phrases from their heart and soul! To me this goes way beyond the mechanical learning of music theory or violin technique, to what Dr. Suzuki referred to as "a good heart", or what some times is referred to as the inner person or soul.

La Folia

This violin accompaniment is set up to accompany the version of La Folia, which is found in the Suzuki Violin School Book 6. The basic theme of this work was used widely in its time as a starting point for rich interweaving improvisation. Corelli wrote down his ideas for this piece, which have been worked over by various people since then. This piece is a good example for the students of the very close relationship between improvisation and composition. These pages are open to you to use as is, or work over as you wish.